President Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence amid the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing it as a tacit approval of anti-democratic tactics aimed at undermining lawmakers’ decisions.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku strongly condemned what he referred to as “backdoor tactics” and the deployment of state-backed security forces to overturn the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, despite his ousting by an overwhelming majority.
Earlier on Thursday, Obasa forcefully entered the Lagos Assembly complex, insisting that he remained the rightful Speaker, despite strong opposition from most lawmakers.
Atiku expressed concern that Tinubu’s refusal to address the situation raises doubts about his commitment to democratic values, especially in light of recent claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that the president selectively wields political power for personal interests.
“Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members.
“This silence is deafening and deeply concerning,” Atiku said.
He further accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into a struggle between “the noble values of Omoluabi—rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service—and the crass, strong-arm tactics of Area Boy politics, where power is retained through coercion rather than consensus.”
Atiku urged the president to publicly denounce any moves that could undermine democratic principles in Lagos and ensure that due process is followed.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” he stated.
